3 trade packages the Panthers could offer for stud LB Roquan Smith

What trade packages could the Carolina Panthers put together for unhappy Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith?

Roquan Smith made NFL headlines earlier this week when the star Chicago Bears linebacker demanded a trade. The former first-round pick cited what he believed to be disrespect from the front office as a primary reason behind his demand to move away.

If the Bears are willing to trade Smith, every team will have a level of interest in acquiring the star linebacker. One could count the Carolina Panthers among these given their desperate lack of production at the middle linebacker position since Luke Kuechly retired.

The Panthers haven’t been averse to making splashy moves under Matt Rhule, trading for quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield during that time. While some bold trades may not have worked out, it is at least proof this team is willing to make a move in an attempt to contend.

Smith roaming the middle of Carolina’s defense would be a scary addition that would make Phil Snow’s unit legitimate enough to carry an inconsistent offense. While the Panthers could potentially struggle once again in 2022, there is reason to believe this hypothetical acquisition could be the missing piece to a wildcard push.

This leads to the obvious question of what would a potential deal with Chicago look like for the Panthers if they decided to go after Smith.

While it is hard to answer that question entirely, it is fair to speculate the Bears would expect at least a high-end draft pick and more in exchange for a proven performer. With this in mind, let’s take a look at three potential trade packages the Panthers could offer for Smith.